ClassX Video Lessons 2 Extinctions, 1 New Species, and… chess?| Natural News from The Field Museum | Ep. 5
Hey there! Today, we’re diving into some fascinating stories from the world of science and nature. We’ll explore forests in Uganda, remember two lost beetle species, discover a mushroom with a unique name, and find out why a turtle made its way to the World Chess Hall of Fame. Let’s get started!
First, let’s take a moment to honor two beetle species that have sadly been declared extinct. The Stepan riffle beetle from Arizona and the Tatum cave beetle from Kentucky are no longer with us. These beetles faced challenges from human development and climate change, which led to their decline. The Field Museum is proud to have the type specimen of the Tatum cave beetle, which helped scientists understand its group. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire everyone to protect endangered species. A big thank you to the entomologists and the Field Museum for their efforts in studying these beetles.
Now, let’s talk about an exciting exhibit at the World Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis, Missouri. The exhibit, called “Animal, Vegetable, Mineral,” features chess sets inspired by the natural world. Among the 37 sets on display, you’ll find pieces carved from insects and a set made from polished tortoise shell. These sets are not just for playing; they are historical artifacts that show how people have used natural materials over time. Chess has been played for about 1,500 years, and this exhibit celebrates the connection between art, nature, and this timeless game. If you’re in St. Louis, don’t miss this chance to see the exhibit, which runs until March 2017!
Next, let’s journey to Northern Uganda, where scientists from the Field Museum and Makerere University conducted a survey of birds and mammals. They explored Mount Morungole and the Goro Aru Forest Preserve, areas rich in biodiversity. This was the first time a biological survey was conducted in the montane forest on the Ugandan side of the Imatong Mountains. The team collected various species, focusing on the microbial communities in bats. Their research helps us understand the unique wildlife of this region.
Meanwhile, in Northern Vietnam, Field Curator Petra Sewald and her team are studying millipedes and arachnids. Collaborating with experts from Alabama, Italy, and Brazil, they are exploring the diversity of millipede families and the genetic relationships of tarantulas. They also held a workshop to teach young students from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia about specimen collecting techniques. This research is crucial for understanding the rich biodiversity of the region.
Back in Chicago, mycologists have discovered a new mushroom species! Named “Cantharellus chicagensis,” this bright yellow chanterelle honors the city of Chicago. It’s edible and safe to eat, with no psychedelic effects. Chicago is home to over a thousand mushroom species, and new ones are being discovered thanks to the collaboration between professionals and amateur enthusiasts. Fun fact: the name “Chicago” comes from a word meaning “a place where smelly onions grow.”
Thanks for joining us for this episode of Natural News from the Field Museum! If you know of any interesting chess sets, share them with us in the comments. Stay tuned for our next episode on The Brain Scoop, where we’ll explore an amazing laser. See you next time!
Create a poster to raise awareness about the importance of conserving beetle species. Use the stories of the Stepan riffle beetle and the Tatum cave beetle as examples. Include information on the threats they faced and suggest ways people can help protect other endangered species.
Design your own chess set inspired by nature. Think about the materials you would use and how each piece could represent an element of the natural world. Share your designs with the class and explain your choices.
Research a specific animal found in the forests of Uganda, such as a bird or mammal. Create a short presentation about its habitat, diet, and any conservation efforts in place to protect it. Present your findings to the class.
Conduct a mini-research project on millipedes or tarantulas. Find out about their habitats, behaviors, and roles in the ecosystem. Create a fact sheet to share with your classmates, highlighting interesting facts and any conservation concerns.
Go on a nature walk to observe different types of mushrooms in your local area. Take photos and try to identify them using a field guide or app. Share your findings with the class and discuss the importance of fungi in ecosystems.
Here’s a sanitized version of the YouTube transcript:
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Hey and welcome back! This week, we have scientists exploring previously studied forests in Uganda, an homage to two lost species of beetles, a mushroom with an interesting name, and why we sent a turtle to the World Chess Hall of Fame.
But first, let’s take a moment to remember our lost invertebrate friends. Unfortunately, news in the natural history world is not always good. We want to honor two species that have recently been declared extinct: the Stepan riffle beetle of Arizona and the Tatum cave beetle of Kentucky. Both had been in protection limbo for decades, with their populations dwindling due to human development and drought from climate change. Here at the Field Museum, we are proud to house the type specimen of the Tatum cave beetle, the individual that was used to describe the rest of its group. To both of these species, we are sorry we let you go extinct, but by sharing your story, we hope to encourage our viewers to champion imperiled species. Thank you to the entomologists who contributed their knowledge to these discoveries and to the Field Museum for housing some members of their species.
Now, onto an interesting exhibit! It’s not unusual for Field Museum scientists to send specimens to other museums and research institutions. Last year, we loaned out 42,000 specimens worldwide. For perhaps the first time, a group of specimens was sent to be on display in a new exhibit about chess at the World Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis, Missouri. This exhibit, called “Animal, Vegetable, Mineral,” showcases highlights from the Dr. George and Vivian Dean chess set collections. There are 37 sets on display, each based on elements of the natural world or created using natural materials. Some highlights include a set with carved insect pieces from 1790, which were scientifically accurate enough to be identified to the species level, and a set made from polished tortoise shell from the early 1900s. This exhibit aims to celebrate the natural wonders of the world, bringing art, nature, and craft together under the umbrella of a globally recognized pastime. Chess has been around for about 1,500 years and is played all over the world. Although these chess sets were created for entertainment and display, they have become important historical artifacts, representing how people have interacted with various natural materials in the past, especially considering many of the materials used are now limited in availability or, in the case of tortoise shell, are now endangered species. This exhibit will run until March 2017, so if you’re in St. Louis, get a taste of science and chess history in one go!
Now, let’s talk about the first vertebrate survey conducted in Northern Uganda. Recently, Field Museum researchers and associates spent a month in the northern parts of Uganda with collaborators from Makerere University. Their goal was to study the birds and mammals of two remote highland regions in the far northern parts of the country. Field correspondent Emily Grassley has more on the story.
The scientists’ first stop was Mount Morungole, where only the third inventory of birds and mammals had been conducted in the area. Next, they visited the Goro Aru Forest Preserve, which protects the Ugandan side of the Imatong Mountains that extend into South Sudan. Although a Field Museum ornithologist visited the South Sudan side in 1977, this recent expedition was the first biological survey in the montane forest on the Ugandan side. The field team collected a number of species for research, focusing on microbial communities, particularly in bats.
Now, we’re here in Northern Vietnam with Field Curator Petra Sewald, who is collecting millipedes and arachnids with collaborators from Alabama, Italy, and Brazil. They are especially interested in studying the diversity of millipede families and the genetic relationships of tarantulas. They also held a workshop focused on training young students from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia about specimen collecting techniques.
Next, let’s talk about a new mushroom species discovered in Chicago! Mycologists from the Field Museum, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and Northwestern University have named a bright yellow chanterelle found in the region “Cantharellus chicagensis” in honor of the great city of Chicago. As mentioned, it is edible and does not have any psychedelic effects. There are more than a thousand species of mushrooms in the Chicago area, with new ones being discovered thanks to collaborations between professionals and amateur enthusiasts alike. The name “Chicago” comes from a word meaning “a place where smelly onions grow.”
Thank you for watching this episode of Natural News from the Field Museum! If you know of any interesting chess sets, let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out our next episode on The Brain Scoop, which is about an amazing laser. Stay tuned!
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This version removes any informal language, clarifies certain points, and maintains a professional tone throughout.
Beetle – A type of insect with a hard shell-like back that covers its wings. – The scientist discovered a new type of beetle living under the bark of the old tree.
Species – A group of living organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. – The giant panda is an endangered species that lives in the forests of China.
Biodiversity – The variety of different types of life found on Earth, including different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. – Protecting the rainforest is crucial for maintaining biodiversity.
Wildlife – Animals and plants that live and grow in natural conditions. – The national park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species.
Mushroom – A type of fungus that typically grows in damp, dark environments and has a stem and a cap. – After the rain, many mushrooms appeared on the forest floor.
Climate – The typical weather conditions in a particular area over a long period. – The desert climate is characterized by hot days and cool nights.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – The students conducted research on how pollution affects marine life.
Insects – Small arthropods with a three-part body, usually having wings and six legs. – Insects like bees play a crucial role in pollinating flowers.
Forest – A large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth. – The forest provides a habitat for many different species of animals and plants.
Extinction – The permanent loss of a species when the last of its members dies. – Conservation efforts aim to prevent the extinction of endangered species.
